- Must visit
Latvian National Museum of Art
The main national art museum presents Latvian and Baltic art in a grand historic building with strong permanent and temporary exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Tartu to Riga
Showing times and prices for Aug 24
Cheapest price
CHF15
Average price
CHF17
Fastest journey
3 h 41 m
Average duration
3 h 49 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
223 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Tartu to Riga is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tartu to Riga will cost around CHF17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF15.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Tartu for Riga on Mon, Aug 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 223 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 41 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 3 h 56 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
12:52 PM3h56Tartu4:48 PMRigaCHF151One-way0 transfers
5:05 PM3h41Tartu8:46 PMRigaCHF201One-way0 transfers
- 5:05 PM3h41Tartu8:46 PMRigaCHF201One-way0 transfers
- 12:52 PM3h56Tartu4:48 PMRigaCHF151One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Tartu to Riga
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tartu to Riga among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from CHF15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of CHF15, and a bus costs an average of CHF15.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF17 Average price Cheapest | CHF23 Average price | CHF41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Tartu to Riga is a train with an average price of CHF17.
This is compared to other travel options from Tartu to Riga:
A train is CHF6 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Tartu to Riga costing on average CHF23.
The fastest way to travel from Tartu to Riga is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 45m.
Other travel options to Riga take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Tartu and Riga including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Tartu to Riga among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around CHF17 compared to roughly CHF41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF24. The journey takes 3h 49m versus 3h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Elron, LTG Link.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Tartu to Riga train times
The table below shows live departures for Tartu to Riga trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:05 PM Tartu | 3h41 | 8:46 PM Riga | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
| 12:52 PM Tartu | 3h56 | 4:48 PM Riga | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Tartu to Riga by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Tartu to Riga
Estonia
Latvia
Trains from Tartu to Riga run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF15 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:52, the last at 17:05. The fastest train covers the 138 miles (223 km) distance in 3h 41m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF15 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 41m |
First train 12:52 PM |
Last train 5:05 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Elron, LTG Link from Tartu to Riga trainsElron, LTG Link trains will get you between Tartu and Riga from CHF15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Elron
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
CHF20
Elron frequency
1 a day
LTG Link
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest Price
CHF15
LTG Link frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Riga
Things to do in Riga
Discover the best of Riga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riga trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Well-curated museum on Latvia’s occupations by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It gives vital context for Riga and modern Latvia.
- Must visit
Riga Art Nouveau Center
Fascinating museum on the Art Nouveau era inside a richly decorated 1903 apartment. Ideal for understanding Riga’s iconic architecture.
- Must visit
Old Town
Riga’s UNESCO-listed medieval core is packed with churches, guild houses, squares, and winding lanes. It is the city’s classic walking area.
- Must visit
Alberta iela
Celebrated avenue lined with ornate Art Nouveau facades by Eisenstein and others. A top place to appreciate Riga’s architectural fame.
- Recommended
Bastejkalna Parks
Leafy canal-side park around the old city moat, ideal for relaxed walks, bridges, flowers, and classic views of central Riga.
- Gluten-free
Pelēkie Zirņi Ar Speķi
Grey peas with bacon is a classic Latvian winter dish of stewed peas mixed with fried onions and bacon, especially tied to festive tables.
- Vegetarian
Rupjmaizes Zupa
Rye bread soup is a traditional sweet dessert made from dark rye bread, dried fruit and spices, valued for turning Latvia's staple bread into comfort food.
- Vegetarian
Sklandrausis
Sklandrausis is a protected Latvian pastry with rye crust and carrot-potato filling, rooted in Livonian and Kurzeme cooking traditions.
Max Cekot Kitchen
One of Riga's best-known fine dining restaurants, offering tasting menus, polished service and contemporary Baltic cuisine.
Restaurant 1221
Refined Latvian fine dining in the Old Town, known for seasonal local ingredients, elegant plating and a calm historic setting.
Rozengrāls
A respected cellar restaurant serving modern Latvian cuisine with game, fish and regional produce in a warm medieval atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for the Baltics: hotels and dining cost more than Vilnius, but public transport is cheap and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included only at higher-end venues. Rounding up is common; 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Taxis usually round up. Cafes may use small change or none.
FAQs: Trains from Tartu to Riga
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tartu to Riga by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Riga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Tartu to Riga can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at CHF15, while the average price is around CHF17.
The train from Tartu to Riga takes 3h 41m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Tartu to Riga is 138 miles (223 km).
The first train from Tartu to Riga leaves at 12:52 PM.
The last train from Tartu to Riga leaves at 5:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Tartu to Riga.
Yes, there is a direct train from Tartu to Riga. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Elron, LTG Link.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Tartu to Riga.
The cheapest way to get from Tartu to Riga is by train, with a cost of around CHF15.
The train journey from Tartu to Riga offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of southern Estonia and northern Latvia, showcasing forests, fields, and quaint rural areas.
A day trip from Tartu to Riga is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 41m each way. The distance is 138 miles (223 km), and trains run 2 times per day.
In Riga, you can explore the Riga Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltic states, and enjoy its impressive organ. Attend a performance at the Latvian National Opera, known for its high-quality productions. Relax at Jurmala Beach, a popular seaside resort town near Riga. Discover Latvian and international art at the Latvian National Museum of Art, and experience the vibrant cultural hub of Kalnciema Quarter with its markets and events. Visit Riga Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture, and shop at Riga Central Market, one of Europe's largest. Enjoy panoramic views from St. Peter's Church, admire the Art Nouveau District's intricate facades, and learn about traditional Latvian rural life at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum.
Three to four days is ideal to explore Riga's main attractions, including the Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, and local markets.
Yes, you can take the train from Tartu to Riga.
Since both Tartu and Riga are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Tartu to Riga among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Latvia uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. For travelers, card payments are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments, making them convenient for most purchases, while cash may be preferred in small towns, markets, or rural areas.
In Riga, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town and public transport. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides without meters and currency exchange fraud at unofficial exchange points. It's advised to use official taxis, avoid street money changers, and keep belongings secure in busy spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Tartu to Riga
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Most popular trains to and from Riga and Tartu
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